Eddie Jones's Blog, page 18

Artemas of Cypress

Mark 1:1-8 — The Tales and Adventures of John Mark

I carried little money to pay for passage and had small likelihood of earning such funds. So as I roamed the streets of Antalya I cast about in my mind for other ways I might earn fare.

If I could hire myself on as crew in return for passage to Seleucia, that might put me to sea sooner. Well I knew many of the terms seamen used while on board—mainsail, topgallant, skysail, spanker, jib, forecastle, galley, and cabin. The problem remained, however, as to what skills I might bring to a task. Still, I could not expect to remain on the streets for long.

Thus my search began in earnest for a ship being loaded for departure. When I happened upon a group of men loading grain onto carts and rolling them onto the wharf I fell in alongside, assisting as they unloaded the goods.

At first the men viewed me suspiciously, so I made a point not to make eye contact and turn away quickly should one appear ready to speak to me. That seemed to settle the matter. Soon they appeared willing to accept my help without question. Only later, after all the cargo on shore was loaded did one dare to ask my name.

“John Mark,” I replied. “And yours?”

“Artemas of Cypress. You wear the mark of the Hebrew. Be those your people?”

I am sure the shock of being singled out so quickly showed on my face.

“When we relieved ourselves over the rail…” Artemas added. His meaning was clear.

“Yes, circumcised on the eighth day,” I replied.

“Then if I may, what are you to make of the one called John?”

At this my thoughts swirled for I knew not which John he meant. John the disciple of my Lord? Or John his cousin? both held a certain amount of fame among my people.

“We hear he was beheaded for daring to insult a tetrarch of Caesar Augustus,” Artemas continued. “Is it true he called the leaders of your people a ‘brood of vipers?'”

“John’s was a baptism of repentance,” I explained, “and for the forgiveness of sins. All who came confessed their sins and were then baptized with water by the cousin of Jesus.”

“But accusing those in authority of acting as a ‘brood of vipers?’ Does he not know that vipers hatch within their mother and eat their way out?”

“Well I know that John made such a declaration with intent, for many years ago our people wandered in a wasteland due to our rebellion. When we complained of hunger, Yahweh provided food from heaven. When we thirsted, Yahweh provided water from a rock. But still we grumbled, so he sent a brood of vipers to destroy us. When he pleaded to Moses for Yahweh to take away the vipers, Yahweh ordered that Moses make a bronze snake and lift it on a pole. All who looked up at the snake would be saved. Now we are to look to the cross upon which the Messiah who saves was crucified. He alone can recuse us from the death that comes from the venom of sin.”

“But how—”

“Our religious leaders continue to cling to the law of the wilderness that brings death,” I quickly added. “Like a brood of vipers their bite poisons those who are lost, for the laws of Yahweh cannot save us from sin, but only show us what sin looks like. This is why John called them a brood of vipers. They hatch from inside religious traditions and eat their way out, destroying all in the process while saving none from sin. This is why John called them a brood of vipers. Though they know the law of Yahweh their spirit is that of that old serpent the devil.”

“I see you are well versed in the ways of your people. Might you share more with me over a meal? Perhaps this evening?”

“Much would I like to do so, but I am in need of a vessel to take me home and should I find one before the day is out, I will depart.”

“Then come. Let us find you such a vessel. Perhaps as we search the docks you will explain more of how I might be saved by this Messiah of which you speak.”

And so I fell in step with Artemas of Cypress, a man I would soon discover was even more dangerous and deadly than the Pharisees and teachers of the law who killed my Lord.

I Entrust This Book to You, Lord.

Bless This Book

Jesus would not entrust (assign the responsibility for doing something to) himself to others for he knows the hearts of everyone. He knows what is in a person. (John 2:24)

Lord, you alone are our help and savior. You are Jehovah-jireh, the Lord Who Provides! We do not put our trust in men and women but in you. Where others promise and fail to show up, stand up, and stand with, you remain faithful.

Paul said, “I have no one else like Timothy who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests.” (Philippians 2:20-21)

Lord, we declare that you are our hope and God. When all others flee, you stand fast. When all others become distracted by the concerns, wants, and needs of their lives, you remain by our side. You listen to our cries, our prayers, hear our plans and pleas. You answer us when we call out. (Psalm 91:15) Our provision is in you and you alone.

Paul said, “Be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2)

Oh, Lord, that we would be like-minded, of one spirit, one mind, one love in you and for you and love for others.

In you all that we need for the works of our hands will be provided. All the seed we sow will produce a harvest. Because you are the God who Provides provision and protection, we declare that our hope in you will bring success, book sales, new readers, new customers, and new vision. We declare blessing upon the works of our hands. Our territory is enlarged. Our influence for you is expanded. Our books sell!

Praise to you, Lord, the God who Provides. 

Medium Well Done

New Release—Middle Grade Mystery

“A whip-smart mystery series with a touch of paranormal and much-needed humor, realistic crime-scene drama plays out in each book, including this latest, when a girl goes missing and her brother is wrongfully imprisoned. Only this time, Nick’s brilliant wit and sleuthing skills are seriously tested when he is brought into a world of spiritualists, mediums and ghosts coming back from the dead. In the spirit of The Hardy Boys and Scooby Doo — ‘is it a ghost or not,’ and ‘those meddling kids’ — I highly recommend this series, especially for boys and reluctant readers.” – Kim Childress, Book Editor, Girls’ Life Magazine

Nick Caden is no stranger to supernatural mysteries and paranormal phenomena. He and his buddies have been TV crime fans for years, which helped Nick solve his first murder case, during an Old West, ghost-town, family vacation that went horribly wrong, but landed Nick a reporting gig for The Cool Ghoul Gazette.

From uncovering vampire killers to catching zombies and werewolves, Nick relies on truth, facts, and his favorite cop and detective shows, and he debunks all kinds of crazy “paranormal” murders.

In Medium Well Done, Nick’s friend Keisha needs help to prove her brother’s innocence in a local murder, and the only other suspect seems to be a ghost.

When Keisha goes missing and presumed dead, Nick is forced into an unlikely partnership with the local police and Jaz, a teen with a “spiritual gift” that lets her “to know things about the dead.” As they work to uncover the facts, they need to rely on the word of “Sistah Séance,” a Gullah woman on Georgia’s Sea islands, who seems able to “bring up the dead.”

In this mystery, Nick discovers a world of darkness, where “evil thoughts and spirits flourish” — one where he suspects a psychic-spiritualist is somehow involved.

This time, Nick doesn’t have all the answers. But he does know how to ask the right questions. And what he learns is worse than any lies a fake fortuneteller might pass off as truth.

I Will Make Your Paths Straight — The Tales and Adventures of John Mark

Mark 1: 7-8

Men loitered here and there on along the waterfront. Doubtless most worked on ships or loading vessels, though of what make and size I could not say. I might have inquired of of the men where I might find a vessel bound for Seleucia Pieria, but most seemed glum or so interested in their own affairs that I dared not interrupt.

Lacking the courage to look them in the eye, I passed by in much the same way I had the relative of Jesus when first I spied him. Dressed in a garment made of camel’s hair and synched tight around his waste with a leather belt, John struck me as someone to be avoided. Dare I say mad. Though his pronouncements of coming judgement aligned with the writings of the Prophets, his preference for locusts and wild honey seemed an odd diet of nourishment.

Not that others agreed with my assessment, for John’s call to repentance drew many from Jerusalem, and even more from Judaea. In the river John baptized those who confessed their sins. He would then urge them to repent and sternly warn them against committing such sins again.

“I baptize you with water for repentance,” he would declare. “But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry.”

With this pronouncement, John would lead “sinners” into the river, shoving them under and declaring their sins washed away. With great exuberance he would walk the individual back onto the river bank, all the while praising the Lord our God.

Quoting from the writings of Malachi, John would call out, “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come.” (Malachi 3:1)

At other times he quoted from the prophet Isaiah. “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'” (Isaiah 40:3)

But on the day after I abandoned Paul and Barnabas, as I walked the waterfront in search of a vessel to take me home, I realized I myself had not properly prepared my way. Perhaps I had acted too hastily when I had agreed to join Paul and Barnabas. Had I sought the Lord in prayer with more fervor, would my course have turned out differently?

That I wondered while I stood along the shore, recalling the words of King Solomon. “In all your ways submit to him, our Lord God, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6)

Dropping to my knees, I prayed, “Oh Lord, have I not submitted to you? Was I not obedient? Is this why my path is not straight, your plans for me unclear?”

With thoughts of doubts swirling in my mind and trembling with fear I waded into the water. When at last small waves broke against my chest, I slipped under. “Forgive me, Lord, for confusing my calling for your sending. Wash away my sins. Oh my God, save me.”

Back on the beach, wet, tears filling my eyes, I tried to bolster my drooping spirits by recounting how I had already proved I could take care of myself alone. But it was of no use. I could not muster the encouragement to continue my search for a vessel bound for home.

Hungry, having had no food since the evening before, and then only a few handfuls of bread and meat, I walked the alleyways in search of some place I might grab a bite.

From the end of the alley a scantly clad woman beckoned me from the doorway of a ramshackle home. “Let all who are simple come into my house! Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is delicious!”

“To those who have no sense,” a nearby shop keeper whispered to me, “she calls out to those who pass by. Little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead. Best go straight on yer way. A lad of understanding like yourself walks straight. On a straight path you will not stumble.”

“Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed,” the woman continued saying to me. “Leave your simple ways and you will live. Walk in the way of insight.”

“You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you woman of the devil,” the man replied. “You enemy of all righteousness. Will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord?” Fixing his gaze on me, he said, “Walk on, mate. If you value your future and life, walk on.”

In that moment the man’s words resonated with my spirit. I fingered the few coins in my pocket and decided to heed his advice. Perhaps I would have better luck finding a cheap meal at a taberna.

Backing away from the alley, I turned the corner and continued to make my way through the streets of Antalya.

 

I Will Make Your Paths Straight

Mark 1:1-7 — The Tales and Adventures of John Mark

Men loitered here and there on along the waterfront. Doubtless most worked on ships or loading vessels, though of what make and size I could not say. I might have inquired of of the men where I might find a vessel bound for Seleucia Pieria, but most seemed glum or so interested in their own affairs that I dared not interrupt.

Lacking the courage to look them in the eye, I passed by in much the same way I had the relative of Jesus when first I spied him. Dressed in a garment made of camel’s hair and synched tight around his waste with a leather belt, John struck me as someone to be avoided. Dare I say mad. Though his pronouncements of coming judgement aligned with the writings of the Prophets, his preference for locusts and wild honey seemed an odd diet of nourishment.

Not that others agreed with my assessment, for John’s call to repentance drew many from Jerusalem, and even more from Judaea. In the river John baptized those who confessed their sins. He would then urge them to repent and sternly warn them against committing such sins again.

“I baptize you with water for repentance,” he would declare. “But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry.”

With this pronouncement, John would lead “sinners” into the river, shoving them under and declaring their sins washed away. With great exuberance he would walk the individual back onto the river bank, all the while praising the Lord our God.

Quoting from the writings of Malachi, John would call out, “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come.” (Malachi 3:1)

At other times he quoted from the prophet Isaiah. “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'” (Isaiah 40:3)

But on the day after I abandoned Paul and Barnabas, as I walked the waterfront in search of a vessel to take me home, I realized I myself had not properly prepared my way. Perhaps I had acted too hastily when I had agreed to join Paul and Barnabas. Had I sought the Lord in prayer with more fervor, would my course have turned out differently?

That I wondered while I stood along the shore, recalling the words of King Solomon. “In all your ways submit to him, our Lord God, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6)

Dropping to my knees, I prayed, “Oh Lord, have I not submitted to you? Was I not obedient? Is this why my path is not straight, your plans for me unclear?”

With thoughts of doubts swirling in my mind and trembling with fear I waded into the water. When at last small waves broke against my chest, I slipped under. “Forgive me, Lord, for confusing my calling for your sending. Wash away my sins. Oh my God, save me.”

Back on the beach, wet, tears filling my eyes, I tried to bolster my drooping spirits by recounting how I had already proved I could take care of myself alone. But it was of no use. I could not muster the encouragement to continue my search for a vessel bound for home.

Hungry, having had no food since the evening before, and then only a few handfuls of bread and meat, I walked the alleyways in search of some place I might grab a bite.

From the end of the alley a scantly clad woman beckoned me from the doorway of a ramshackle home. “Let all who are simple come into my house! Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is delicious!”

“To those who have no sense,” a nearby shop keeper whispered to me, “she calls out to those who pass by. Little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead. Best go straight on yer way. A lad of understanding like yourself walks straight. On a straight path you will not stumble.”

“Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed,” the woman continued saying to me. “Leave your simple ways and you will live. Walk in the way of insight.”

“You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you woman of the devil,” the man replied. “You enemy of all righteousness. Will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord?” Fixing his gaze on me, he said, “Walk on, mate. If you value your future and life, walk on.”

In that moment the man’s words resonated with my spirit. I fingered the few coins in my pocket and decided to heed his advice. Perhaps I would have better luck finding a cheap meal at a taberna.

Backing away from the alley, I turned the corner and continued to make my way through the streets of Antalya.

 

God Moments In My Life

Tommy Burleson crying at the celebration event in Reynolds Colisuem as the 1974 NCAA Championship team is honored.

1974 – State wins ACC and NCAA Championships (Odd I would begin with God working on my behalf in order that State would become champions, but God loves me best : He also loves you best.)

1978 – Met my wife at a stoplight in West Palm Beach Florida

1997 – “God loves Eddie so much he created the Internet so Eddie could have a job.” – Dale Dexter. With my job at Dillard Paper in jeopardy, out of the blue a headhunter calls to ask if I want to work for IBM building web pages.

2009 – God asks (through the voice of Ann Tatlock), “So, when are you going to quit your job and do this full time?” (Meaning work for Christian Devotions Ministries and write for a living.)

2012 – Jeff and Rebecca fly us out to Washington State for a week-long vacation over the Forth of July. On the last day before we are to fly out, my business partner at cruisersnet.net emails to say he is buying me out. We have provision for another year.

2019 – Iron Stream Media buys LPC

Prayer proceeded all these God moments. What is your God moment?

Please Forgive Me for Turning Back — The Tales and Adventures of John Mark

John 11:33-44

It was well into the evening when I finally arrived at the water front in Antalya. Among the great masts outlined against the darkening sky I searched for a vessel that would take me to back to Seleucia in the region of Decapolis.

Since early morning I had been making my way on foot from the road that leads to Pisidian Antioch. The heartbreak of leaving my companions was made worse by the shame I felt. Though I knew he meant me no harm, Paul’s harsh words at my departure left my cheeks streaked with tears. Only the dim light of dusk hid the humiliation I felt from his stern words of rejection.

Wrapped in a bundle and slung over my shoulder, I carried a few personal trifles.

Days earlier I had been so excited over the prospect of setting forth to declare the news of my Lord Jesus, but now  with the sun sinking over the mountains, my enthusiasm for the mission waned. I merely wished to be home with Mother in Jerusalem.

In the lengthening shadows, I recalled the moment when I first realized that the Teacher, the one I believed to be the Messiah, had come to call me to proclaim his good news.

On that morning word reached me that Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, had died. I left our home quickly and ran from the city, down into the valley and up through the grove of olive trees. Atop the rise I spied several of his followers and hurried to join them.

“But he has been dead for four days,” one of our companions remarked. “And besides all that, by this time there is a bad odor.”

“Be it so, but I was there. I heard the Teacher ask, “‘Where have you laid him?'”

“And from this you interpret the Teacher’s words to mean he will raise a dead man?”

“Heard it with my own ears, I did. ‘Your brother will rise again,’ the Teacher declared. His words were not those of a mourner comforting the grieving but of someone speaking expectantly of seeing their friend.”

Fortunate I was that day to stumble upon the pair, for had I not, the large crowd would have prevented me from gaining a view. Through scrub bushes and over rocks we scrambled until at last we reached a rise that looked down upon the tombs.

With his back to me, the Teacher said to the crowd, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

Months before in the region of Galilee the Teacher had promised that very thing: that if we would but follow him and believe we would see the glory of Yahweh.

On elbows I pulled myself closer to the edge, sending pebbles cascading onto the ground. Pivoting slightly, the Teacher looked over his shoulder at me, offering a slight smile—and dare I say—a wink as well.

At his command, men stepped forward from the crowd of mourners and removed the stone that sealed the tomb. Shifting his gaze from me, the Teacher looked up towards heaven.

At this, my spirit quickened within me.

At other times I had seen him look towards heaven. First when he fed crowds with only a few loaves and fishes. Then when he healed the lame, the blind, and cast out demons. Among those of us who followed the Teacher we would sometimes say in jest, “Beware of looking away when he looks up. If you do, you may miss a miracle.”

“Father, I thank you that you have heard me,” the Teacher said. His was a private prayer spoken loud enough for all to hear. “I know you always hear me.”

At his words I could not contain my excitement, for the Teacher always thanked his father before drawing power from above.

“I said this that they may believe that you sent me,” the Teacher said. Inhaling deeply, he called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

By now as you well know, the dead man appeared in the entrance of the tomb. The Teacher ordered the bindings of the burial cloth loosened in order that Lazarus might go forth freed from death and decay.

From that day on the Pharisees plotted to take the Teacher’s life. Because so many of the Jews had put their faith in the Teacher, the chief priests and Pharisees gave strict orders that should anyone find Jesus they were to report his location so that he might be arrested. In the streets near my home, people went about asking, “Is the Teacher not coming?” They looked for him in the temple and left disappointed. Such was the hatred those who were righteous in their own eyes had for the Teacher.

“If we let him go on like this,” a Pharisee said to the high priest, “everyone will believe in him and we will lose our place of importance.”

From the beginning the Teacher’s authority, power, and righteousness exposed the hearts and motives of all. Even today the righteousness of his Holy Spirit shines light on those dark areas of our soul we seek to hide. For this reason I fear for the lives of Barnabas and Paul. They will be hated wherever they go.

Wisely, after Lazarus returned home to Martha and Mary, the Teacher retreated to Ephraim and remained there until a few days before Passover. But by then his fate had been sealed. The chief priests and Pharisees, along with all who refuse to acknowledge their wickedness, sought have him crucified. 

Oh how I wish I had the courage of my Lord, but I am a coward. A mere boy in a young man’s body. My Lord and my God, please forgive me for turning back—and for turning my back on you.

Yet, well I know, Lord, that you will never turn your back on me. Your smile and wink at the tomb of Lazarus I will treasure forever. Only please now help me find passage back to Mother. 

Your obedient (sometimes) servant, John Mark.

Please Forgive Me for Turning Back—and for Turning My Back on You

John 11:33-44 — The Tales and Adventures of John Mark

It was well into the evening when I finally arrived at the water front in Antalya. Among the great masts outlined against the darkening sky I searched for a vessel that would take me to back to Seleucia in the region of Decapolis.

Since early morning I had been making my way on foot from the road that leads to Pisidian Antioch. The heartbreak of leaving my companions was made worse by the shame I felt. Though I knew he meant me no harm, Paul’s harsh words at my departure left my cheeks streaked with tears. Only the dim light of dusk hid the humiliation I felt from his stern words of rejection.

Wrapped in a bundle and slung over my shoulder, I carried a few personal trifles.

Days earlier I had been so excited over the prospect of setting forth to declare the news of my Lord Jesus, but now  with the sun sinking over the mountains, my enthusiasm for the mission waned. I merely wished to be home with Mother in Jerusalem.

In the lengthening shadows, I recalled the moment when I first realized that the Teacher, the one I believed to be the Messiah, had come to call me to proclaim his good news.

On that morning word reached me that Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, had died. I left our home quickly and ran from the city, down into the valley and up through the grove of olive trees. Atop the rise I spied several of his followers and hurried to join them.

“But he has been dead for four days,” one of our companions remarked. “And besides all that, by this time there is a bad odor.”

“Be it so, but I was there. I heard the Teacher ask, “‘Where have you laid him?'”

“And from this you interpret the Teacher’s words to mean he will raise a dead man?”

“Heard it with my own ears, I did. ‘Your brother will rise again,’ the Teacher declared. His words were not those of a mourner comforting the grieving but of someone speaking expectantly of seeing their friend.”

Fortunate I was that day to stumble upon the pair, for had I not, the large crowd would have prevented me from gaining a view. Through scrub bushes and over rocks we scrambled until at last we reached a rise that looked down upon the tombs.

With his back to me, the Teacher said to the crowd, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

Months before in the region of Galilee the Teacher had promised that very thing: that if we would but follow him and believe we would see the glory of Yahweh.

On elbows I pulled myself closer to the edge, sending pebbles cascading onto the ground. Pivoting slightly, the Teacher looked over his shoulder at me, offering a slight smile—and dare I say—a wink as well.

At his command, men stepped forward from the crowd of mourners and removed the stone that sealed the tomb. Shifting his gaze from me, the Teacher looked up towards heaven.

At this, my spirit quickened within me.

At other times I had seen him look towards heaven. First when he fed crowds with only a few loaves and fishes. Then when he healed the lame, the blind, and cast out demons. Among those of us who followed the Teacher we would sometimes say in jest, “Beware of looking away when he looks up. If you do, you may miss a miracle.”

“Father, I thank you that you have heard me,” the Teacher said. His was a private prayer spoken loud enough for all to hear. “I know you always hear me.”

At his words I could not contain my excitement, for the Teacher always thanked his father before drawing power from above.

“I said this that they may believe that you sent me,” the Teacher said. Inhaling deeply, he called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

By now as you well know, the dead man appeared in the entrance of the tomb. The Teacher ordered the bindings of the burial cloth loosened in order that Lazarus might go forth freed from death and decay.

From that day on the Pharisees plotted to take the Teacher’s life. Because so many of the Jews had put their faith in the Teacher, the chief priests and Pharisees gave strict orders that should anyone find Jesus they were to report his location so that he might be arrested. In the streets near my home, people went about asking, “Is the Teacher not coming?” They looked for him in the temple and left disappointed. Such was the hatred those who were righteous in their own eyes had for the Teacher.

“If we let him go on like this,” a Pharisee said to the high priest, “everyone will believe in him and we will lose our place of importance.”

From the beginning the Teacher’s authority, power, and righteousness exposed the hearts and motives of all. Even today the righteousness of his Holy Spirit shines light on those dark areas of our soul we seek to hide. For this reason I fear for the lives of Barnabas and Paul. They will be hated wherever they go.

Wisely, after Lazarus returned home to Martha and Mary, the Teacher retreated to Ephraim and remained there until a few days before Passover. But by then his fate had been sealed. The chief priests and Pharisees, along with all who refuse to acknowledge their wickedness, sought have him crucified. 

Oh how I wish I had the courage of my Lord, but I am a coward. A mere boy in a young man’s body. My Lord and my God, please forgive me for turning back—and for turning my back on you.

Yet, well I know, Lord, that you will never turn your back on me. Your smile and wink at the tomb of Lazarus I will treasure forever. Only please now help me find passage back to Mother. 

Your obedient (sometimes) servant, John Mark.

Jesus Is All the Provision We Need

Book Marketing Jesus' Way (John 6:6)

Jesus already had in mind what he was going to do. (John 6:6)

Is this the way we come to our work? Do we already have in mind what the outcome will be? Or are our efforts simply based on hope and a vague prayer for blessing from God?

Prior to his big promotional tour, Jesus gathers the Twelve around him and gives these instructions. “Preach the kingdom of God.”

Good advice. Stick to the message. Don’t get distracted with trivial matters that have nothing to do with the task at hand. When it comes to our book promotional efforts, keep the main thing the main thing.

You have a book. You want to make it known to new readers. Focus on its core message, its benefits to readers (Novelists, entertainment is a benefit.) Explain how your book is a blessing to its target audience.

“Take nothing for the journey,” Jesus said. “No staff. No bag. No bread. No money. No extra tunic.”

Not only will we lose focus if we become distracted by trivial matters, but we will also become frustrated and worn down by doing too much and carrying too many items into the harvest field. Let Jesus provide for our daily needs.

Oh sure, some may advise that you produce a launch calendar, list milestones, hit the right influencers at the right time, posts on other blogs, run ads, pay for promotional services. All this can be great advice if you keep Jesus first. Let him lead. Listen to his Spirit within you. “Travel light,” is his advice to his disciples.

“Find a welcoming home in which to rest and to remain in that home until you leave.”

Spend time with those who believe in you, who welcome you. Along the way you’ll encounter plenty detractors and doubters. Better to be nourished in both body and soul by good food and encouraging words than to hop from person-to-person in search of affirmation and validation.

When the Twelve returned Jesus gathered them to himself in a remote place.

We may think that after we’ve pushed through our first book launch it becomes easier, that we’ve made it. But often Jesus walks us into remote places. The Spirit of God led Jesus into the wilderness. We should expect a version of the same. In remote places our faith grows. In remote places we learn to rely on him alone. Unless we spend time with Jesus in his remote places, we may find that our next launch, our next book release is more tiring and difficult. Let us treasure our time with Jesus in remote places.

 Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to Jesus and ask that he send the crowd away.

The Twelve still relied on their natural eyes, not their faith eyes. They had not yet believed that Jesus was their provision. Have we?

Now that we’ve mastered some of the tools of book marketing, of launching a book or series of books, do we view Jesus as all the provision we need? Or are we relying on our own efforts, friends, finances, influencers, publisher, promotional person?

Days earlier the Twelve went out to draw crowds to Jesus. Their promotional efforts worked so well that people packed the hillside in anticipation of seeing and hearing Jesus.

And now the Twelve are sending crowds away from Jesus.

Too often this is us. The work is too much, the crowds too demanding. With success comes expectations and expectations add stress. If we feel stressed about our success then we have placed our faith in the wrong person—ourself.

“You give them something to eat,” Jesus replied.

At this command our spirits sink. Tapped out, worn out, we’re down to our last giveaway book, last ad dollar, last blog-tour-post. Without a miracle our book will flop and fail. And at that moment what does Jesus asks of us? All that we have.

“But we only have a few small fish and small barley loaves. How far will that go among so many?”

Phillip and Andrew offer rational observations. Nothing wrong with a frank assessment of our situation. But do we catch the inflection in their voice? Only… small… how far… so many…

Our words betray us. The things that come out of the mouth come from our heart (Matthew 15:18)

Phillip and Andrew only saw five small rolls and two small fish and a huge crowd. Jesus saw what he was going to do.

Jesus already had in mind what he was going to do. (John 6:6)

Do we only see the present? Or do we see our future quickened in our spirit by Jesus?

Watch how Jesus turned the present into a future of miraculous multiplication.

Jesus looked up to heaven, the source of all provision.

I lift up my eyes. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1).

Jesus gave thanks: thanks for what he held in his hands—thanks for what would be.

In every thing give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Jesus blessed what he held.

“I give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)

If we have the Spirit of Christ within us, we have the authority of Jesus. We can bless or we can curse. We can forgive or withhold forgiveness. We can bless God, bless others, bless ourselves, bless our books, bless our seed, bless our children, bless the works of our hands. We can bless! We do not need to wait for God to bless us. Bless now!

Jesus divided what he held into smaller bites.

Though perhaps small and in short supply, what we have is always enough when we have Jesus. Divide what you hold and give to others. This is key to kingdom work.

Elijah said, “Bring me, please, a piece of bread.”

“As surely as the Lord your God lives,” the widow replied, “I don’t have any bread. I only have a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”

Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me. Then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry” (1 Kings 17:11-14)

If we hoard, we starve others—and ourselves. When we give all that we have, we receive back more than we ask. This is the way the kingdom of God works.

Jesus distributed to the Twelve.

Delegate. Distribute. Allow others to share in your joy.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

Allow others to witness the miracle of multiplication.

Five loaves fed five thousand men in groups of fifty. 5.50.5000. Imagine the scene. The Twelve disciples direct the crowd of men to sit in groups of 50 (one hundred groups of fifty men plus women and children). And the food never ran out.

At the conclusion of the event the Twelve gathered twelve baskets. Have you ever wondered what might have happened if Jesus had a team of not just twelve, but twenty-four, forty-eight, seventy-two? Would the remains have filled seventy-two baskets? Perhaps the limitation of provision came not from the five loaves but from the number of workers gathered to help Jesus.

A short while after this feeding Jesus sends out the Twelve again. It’s as if he is saying, “Okay, team. You’ve seen how this works. Let’s try once more.” Two by two they went to every town and place where he was about to go. “Do not take a purse. Do not take a bag. Do not take extra sandals.” His instructions are the same as before: travel light.

Jesus concludes his instructions with this: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Do we understand this kingdom principle?  It’s as if Jesus is saying to us: “I will feed, I will heal,  I will teach, I will reach groups of fifty, a hundred, a thousand, a million if only I can find enough workers to help gather the harvest.”

Pray with an attitude of desperation for the Lord of the harvest to send workers into his harvest field (Matthew 9:38). If your book reflects his glory, truth, love, hope, good news, then your book is one of those workers that can be sent into the harvest field.

Send it. Bless it. Expect your book to gather others to Jesus.

 

Lord, I bless the works of my hands. I bless my books. I name each one and pray blessing upon blessing upon them. I thank you for the opportunity to write. For the words you give me. For the time you provide. For the ideas. For the encouragement I receive. For those who believe in me and my writing. For the readers who read and write reviews: even the ones who criticize my “baby.” Lord, you are all the provision I need. You are the only marketing manager, press release person, promotional advisor I need. You call into being things that were not (Romans 4:17). I declare blessings upon blessings upon my books. I look with expectation for the vision you’ve placed within my spirit to bear fruit. Amen.

 

May None of Our Words Fall to the Ground Without Bearing Fruit

Book Marketing Jesus' Way (1 Samuel 3:1-21)

Samuel was lying down where the ark of God was. (1 Samuel 3:3)

O Lord, may I lie down next to you. May I arise by your side.

In those days the word of the Lord was rare. There were not many visions. Samuel did not yet know the Lord. The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. (1 Samuel 3:1,7)

Lord, may your words be plentiful, not rare. May you give me vision after vision of your glory, your will to come, your work to be done. May I know your voice and hear your voice above all others. 

“If the Lord calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” (1 Samuel 3:9)

Lord, call upon me. Speak my name. Open my ears that I might hear.

The Lord was with Samuel as he grew. The Lord let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. All recognized that Samuel was a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to reveal himself to Samuel through his word. (1 Samuel 3:19-21)

Samuel lay close to God, right beside him. May we also remain so close to our Father that we feel his breath against our cheek.At first Samuel did not know the voice of God. May we spend so much time in our Father’s Word that when he speaks, our ears instantly burn with the excitement of revelation, vision, and inspiration.When we hear God speaking may we reply, “Speak, Lord, I am listening.” And may we then give our full attention to the revelation he gives.Like Samuel may we expect our Father to be with us at all times.May the Lord let NONE of our words inspired by our Father fall without bearing fruit.May we watch for the Lord to reveal himself to us through his word.May we expect the Lord to honor us.
Those who honor me I will honor. (1 Samuel 2:30)

Lord, be with me as I go and grow today. Let NONE of the words you speak through me fall to the ground without bearing fruit. Reveal yourself to me through your words. Honor me in order that you may be glorified. 

Amen